The following is a list of modern inspiring Christian speakers that I believe are impacting our world today. This is not a best of list nor a popularity contest list. I personally believe that many of our most inspiring preachers go unnoticed because they are leading from the pews of local churches. You don’t have to agree with what the following speakers believe theologically. But on the grander scale, these are 5 speakers that are affecting the Christian landscape and you might not be aware of them.

Rob Bell

Rob Bell is famous in the Evangelical world by his Nooma videos, but made infamous in the same world by his relationship with Brian McLaren. He straddles the line theologically by his somewhat liberal views, but you cannot discount his knowledge of the Bible nor his simple spirituality. He is open about his views and lives a life that is in accordance to what he preaches.

I have watched, bought and shared many Nooma videos. I still am having a hard time implementing their use in a youth group or Bible Study meeting but thy are still really good to watch. Rob Bell has a very soft-spoken and cool tone to his speaking. He always speaks from the Bible and he knows his stuff.

Shane Claiborne

There is only one word that comes to mind when I first saw Shane Claiborne speak – Strange. He walks around with long dreadlocks and wears ripped and tattered clothing. But he doesn’t come across as the deep and mysterious persona as someone you’d expect to adorn that style. You hear him speak and immediately you think of someone who is fun and easy to hang out with. One of those people you know that you could have a deep conversation with but also laugh throughout the entire conversation.

I remember listening live to the below message at the National Youth Workers Convention (I think 2007?) and was completely floored with the message. He completely took himself out of the picture and allowed Jesus’ words speak for themselves. It truly transformed much of my own perspective and is something that I will never forget. I’ve always wanted to give the same message but I’ve never had the uhmm courage to do so.

Brennan Manning

I’ve only recently ben introduced the teaching of Brennan Manning but he has quickly rose to the prominence of one of my favorite authors and speakers. He is Catholic and also a Christian [a joke for those who don't know my humor]. I’ve read through his Wikipedia Biography and searched his videos on Youtube. I even perused his books at Barnes and Nobles while sipping on a Vanilla flavored coffee.

Brennan Manning isn’t famous inside the evangelical circle like several of the other speakers on this list, but his speaking style can pierce your heart with a single sentence. From my own limited exposure to him and other conversations I’ve had, he doesn’t stray much from his single message that he wants to share.. but the message is worth repeating many times over.

God yearns for a relationship with you.

Erwin McManus

I randomly picked up and purchased his book Soul Cravings several years ago. I was going through a difficult time in my life and it helped inspire me to get through it. This might be a sentimental pick because of that book, but I do know his gift of speech is confirmed with many other people.

There are people who have tried to classify Erwin McManus as an emergent but he has pointed out that he is not truly part of Emergent Village nor the emerging church. The classification isn’t too far off-base because many of his habits while speaking can be considered creative and different. For example, he is known to sit on a chair while giving a message because it portrays a more conversational tone.

Andy Stanley

This is another speaker that I have recently became aware of. I remember first hearing about him in a Theology class while attending Warner University (Warner Southern College at the time) and thinking he must be another fad preacher because of the person that I heard about him from. Then I heard him speak at a National Youth Workers Convention (same one as above maybe?) and I became convinced that maybe he is someone that I should pay attention too. [p.s. I know that this paragraph is filled with sentences ending in prepositions and I am sorry]

Over the years, I have kept tabs and learned his history. He is the son of famed radio and television preacher Dr. Charles Stanley whom I respect immensely. Andy is the founding pastor of a large church in the Atlanta area. He somewhat reminds me of a Christian Steve Jobs. I don’t necessarily agree 100% with his theology as I am a little more liberal to his conservative but I do 100% respect him because of his teaching and his life.

Kingpin of Christian Inspirational Speakers

Billy Graham

You can’t leave off a list of inspiring christian speakers the name Billy Graham. He has been around for nearly a century (that wasn’t supposed to make him sound old), but he has just much influence today as 40 years ago while filling stadiums during his Crusades. He is one of the most respected men in the world no matter a person’s spiritual background because of the life he has led.

I believe that the entire list of men above can trace their personal inspiration for speaking back to Billy Graham. Rob Bell is very liberal and Andy Stanley is equally conservative, but they both have one thing in common and it is exemplified in Billy Graham. They all lead lives that are congruent with the central message of Jesus Christ. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

If you enjoyed this list then take a moment and browse through our inspirational thoughts

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